"^mA 


1  -i.  Jl--^^- 


'>^>'u 


''it. 


PRINCETON,    N.    J. 


Shflf.. 


.W//./         


..*»■^ 


AN 


ORATION, 


&C.  &G 


-1 


Th'2  Good  Samaritan, 

AN 

ORATION 

DELIVERED 

On  Sanday  Evening,  May   22d,  1795, 

iN   BEHALF  OF  THE 

PHILADELPHIA  SOCIETY 


Information  and  AJJljIance  of  perfons  Emigrating  from 
Foreign  Countries. 

By  >.Iorgan  J.  Rhees. 

Publiilied  by  Requeft  ; — for  the  Benefit  of  the  Society, 


"  Be  not  forgetful  to  entertain  ftrangers."      paul. 

"  He  that  hath  a  bountiful  eye  fhall  be  bleffcd."     solomon. 

"  Blefled  are  the  merciful,  for  they  fhall  obtain  mercy."     christ. 


PHILADELPHIA^ 
PRINTED    BY    LANG    &    U  S  T  I  C  K, 

1796. 
Price  25  cents. 


Philadelphia,  June  ift,  1796^ 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Emigration  Society  held  at  the  Univer- 
iity,  "  Refohedy  That  JViUiam  Zane  and  Thomas  Newnham, 
be  a  committee  to  prefent  the  thanks  of  the  Society  to  the  Rev. 
Morgan  J.  Rhees,  for  the  excellent  difcourfe  he  delivered  at  the 
Baptift  Church,  for  the  benefit  cf  diftrefTed  Emigrants,  and  that 
the  faid  committee  requeft  Mr.  Rhees  to  give  them  a  copy  for 
publication." 


t^  The  philanthropic  Bcokfeliers  will,  fans  doubt,  encourage  the 
fale,  without  feeking  the  dual  allowance  :  they  v/ill  be  more  than 
doubly  rewarded  by  the  increafe  of  population  and  wealth  which 
the  Society  promotes. 

The  Farmer  and  Mechanic,  the  Merchant  and  the  Speculator 
being  equally  Interefted — ^l''hefe  pages  are  with  diffidence  devoted 
to  their  feryice, by 

The  AUTHOR. 


Oration. 


BRETHREN, 


.S  we  are  convened  together  on  an  impor- 
tant occafion,  we  fliall  take  under  our  confideratlon 
a  momentous  queftion  ;  the  anfwer  to  which,  will 
include  one  half  oi  the  fyftem  of  moral  obligations. 
It  is  well  known,  that  all  our  duties  are  divided 
between  God  and  Man.  The  queflion,  "  Who  i* 
God?"  has  often  divided  and  fubdivided  the  world 
of  mankind.  Elijah  thought  fit  to  convince  the 
Ifraelites  by  ocular  demonftration  j  but  did  thofe 
who  have  the  light  of  Revelation  as  well  as  reafon, 
e?:ercife  their  underflanding,  a  miracle  would  be 
unnecelTary  to  prove  this  fact.  However,  the  quef- 
tion,  at  prefent,  is  not  "  Whether  Jehovah  or 
Baal  be  God?"  but,  "  Who  is  my  neighbour V* 

This  query  was  once  ailced  with  a  defign  to 
evade  the  duty  annexed  to  it,  and  enfnare  the  perfoa 
to  whom  it  was  propofed.  The  queflion  itfelf  merited 
an  anfwer:  the  moft  noble  reply  was  given  !  Hear  it. 

"  A  certain  man  went  down  from  Jcrufalem  to 
Jericho,  and  fell  among  thieves,  which  (tripped  him 
of  his  raiment  and  wounded  him^  and  departed 
leaving  him  half  dead.  And  by  chance  there  came 
down  a  certain  priefl  that  v;ay  j  and  when  he  faw  him, 

A2 


6 

he  paffed  by  on  the  other  fide.  And  likewife  a 
Levite,  when  he  was  at  the  place  came  and  looked 
on  hhij  and  paiTed  by  on  the  oiba'  fide.  But  a 
certain  Samaritan,  as  he  journeyed  came  where  he 
was ;  and  when  he  faw  him  he  had  compaffion  on  hiin^ 
and  went  to  him  and  bound  up  his  wounds,  pouring 
in  oil  and  wine,  and  fet  him  on  his  own  beafl  and 
brought  him  to  an  Inn,  and  took  care  of  him,  and 
on  the  morrow  when  he  departed,  he  took  out  two, 
pence  and  gave  them  to  the  hod,  and  faid  unto  him, 
take  care  of  him  ;  and  whatfoever  thou  fpendefi:  mere, 
v/hen  I  come  again  I  will  repay  thee.  Which  now 
of  thefe  three  thinlceft  thou,  war.  neighbour  unto  him 
that  fell  among  the  thieves  ?  And  he  faid,  He  that 
Ihewed  m.ercy  on  him,  then  faid  Jesus  unto  him. 
Go,  and  do  thou  likewife." 

This  comment  of  our  Saviour  reconciles  every 
feeming  difficulty  in  the  precept  "  Love  thy  neighbour 
as  thyfelf."  Some  have  fuppofed  that  the  words 
"'  as  ourfelves,  do  not  imply  as  well  as  ourfelves, 
iuafmuch  as  the  love  we  have  for  ourfelves  is  to  be 
the  pattern  of  that  love  we  ought  to  have  towards 
cur  neighbour.  And  as  the  copy  doth  not  equal  the 
original,  fo  my  neighbour  cannot  think  it  hard  if  I 
prefer  myfelf  who  am  the  original,  before  him  who 
is  only  the  copy.  Thus,  if  any  matter  equally  con- 
cerns the  life,  the  reputation,  the  profit  of  my  neigh.- 
bour,  and  my  own  ;  the  law  of  nature,  which  is  the' 
law  of  God,  obligeth  me  to  take  care  of  myfelf,  and 
afterwards  of  him."  This  expofition  is  perfeftiy  agree- 
able to  the  trite  obfervation,  tsat  "  Charity  f^iould 
begin  at  home."     It  requires  no  great  eloquence  to, 


perfuade  men  to  adhere  to  this  nir^-am  ;  for  it  fcldom 
happens  that  any  err  through  excels  of  philanthropy. 

It  is  generally  ackno^^lcdged,  that  if  by  a  fniall  hurt 
or  lofs  to  ourfelves,  we  can  procure  a  great  good  to 
our  neighbour,  that  in  fuch  a  cafe  his  intereft  is  to  be 
preferred  :  for  example,  "  If  I  can  be  fure  of  faving 
his  life,  without  great  danger  to  my  own,  if  I  can 
preferve  him  from  being  undone  without  ruining 
myfclf,  or  recover  his  reputation  without  blafcing 
mine" — All  this,  fiiitU  the  philofopher,  I  am  obliged 
to  do !  and  all  this  is  very  well ;  fo  far  as  it  refpet^cs 
common  cafes.  Bat  it  fometimes  happens,  that  the 
com.paiTion  of  generous  fouls,  is  more  than  a  balance 
for  felf-prefervation.  There  is  an  impulfe  implanted 
in  the  bofom  of  fome  men,  which  infpires  them  to 
great  and  glorious  anions — For  the  moment,  they  are 
not  capable  of  reflecting  on  their  own  fiifcty.  They 
run  precipitately  to  refcue  an  object  in  diftrefs,  and 
thereby  often  eifeft  his  deliverance ;  and  fliould  they 
fall  martyrs  to  humanity,  their  memories  fhall  be 
recorded  among  thofe,  who  Iliall  inine  as  liars  in  the 
firmament  of  glory. 

The  idea  that  all  mankind  are  our  neighbours, 
5ind  that  we  ought  to  love  them  as  ourfelves,  is  too 
vague  to  be  verified,  and  too  diiiicult  to  acl  upon : 
nor  is  the  pninciple  of  loving  all  thofe  who  live  under 
the  fame  form  of  government,  forming  one  com.mon- 

*  This  does  not  imply  "  Tbai,  al!  men  arc  not  brethren," 
and  that  we  fhould  iove  them  as  our  fellow  creatures.  The  word 
neighbour,  according  to  the  above  cited  parable,  is  fynoninious  with 
friend.     It  would  be  a  bale  proflitution  of  terms  to  call  ?.ny  m'an 


8 

wealth  with  ourfehcs,  lefs  equivocal*.  I  aclrnow- 
led^f^e  that  the  101)6  of  our  country^  lias  been  jufii)'' 
deemed  a  cardinal  virtue ;  but  unlsfs  that  lorje  has 
for  its  ohjeft  the  principles  cf  righteournefs-™patri- 
otifai  becoines  a  putrid  pool,  which  engenders  nothiiig 
but  vice. — What  maiLicres,  .and  horrid  barbarities 
have  not  been  cojr.mitted,  under  the  idea  of  loving 
our  neighbour,  when  confined  to  certain  individuals 
and  partial  fpots! 

Who  then  is  my  neighbour,  whom  I  am  to  love 
as  m)felf?  Is  that  black  Negro  worthy  to  be  called 
my  neighbour?  Shall  I  deign  to  perform  a  good 
office  to  that  fcwage  Indian?  You  may  not ; — ^but  if 
he  does  it  to  you— -he  is  certainly  your  neighbour,  and 
you  ought  to  love  him  as  yourfelf.  To  cite  authori- 
ties to  (hew  wherein  Indians  and  Africans  have  ac^ed 
the  part  of  a  neighbour  towards  the  v/hite  people 
would  be  too  tedious.  RIy  object  is  to  prove 
that  we  have  neighbours  in  every  quarter  of  the 
globe,  and  that  thofe  alone  are  our  friends  who 
afford  us  relief  in  the  hour  of  dillrefs — All  others  are 
our  enemies ;  the  foes  of  mankind—and  we  lliould 
certainly  dillinguiU-i  between  that  love  which  we  owe 
to  our  adveifary,  and  that  which  we  oive  to  our 
neighbour.  Christ  never  intended  we  fhouid  love 
our  enemies  as  ourfclver:— on  the  contrary,  w^e  are 
commanded  to  beware  of  their  wiles,  and  be  com- 
pleatly  armed  again (1  their  force. — -blow  then  fliall 
we  love  our  enemies  /  The  queilion  is  eafily  aniwered 

neighbour  or  friend,  Vvithout  iiis  fiiev/ing  fomc  fymptanis  cf  pliilan- 
tkropy,  even  to  his  cnenilis. 


9 

i*--lf  he  is  hungry  ft;ed  him,  if  athirft  give  him  diink 
— naked,  cloathe  him,  if  he  has  fallen  among  thieves, 
pour  oil  into  his  wounds,  bring  him  to  the  Inn,  and 
give  him  enough  to  pay  for  his  lodgings. — This  is 
the  Jire  of  love ^  which  you  ought  continually  to  pour 
on  the  heads  of  your  adverfaries.  It  is  by  thofe  means 
alone  you  fliould  overcome  your  opponents : — you 
would  thereby  convince  the  v/orld  that  although  the 
enemies  of  the  human  race  are  not  your  neighbours 
■ — that  in  reality  you  are  the  friends  of  mankind. 

NotwithdanJing  the  many  plaufible  arguments 
advanced  in  behalf  of  difinterellcd  benevolence,  we 
are  obliged  to  acknowledge  that  in  many  inftances, 
we  love  our  neighbour  becaufe  he  firfc  loved  us.  It 
is  true,  a  being  perfe6lly  amiable  in  hiiiifelf,  demands 
the  love  of  all  who  knov/  him.  But  how  are  v/e  to 
knov/  the  dlfpofition  of  any  charafter,  but  by  a  com- 
munication of  his  attributes  ?  The  tr::e  is  known  by 
its  fruit. 

Who  then  is  my  neighbour  but  the  man  who 
cafts  his  bread  on  the  face  of  the  waters,  doing  eood 
to  all,  but  particularly  to  the  dirtreifed.  in  bis 
complexion  I  caa  read  compaffion  and  complacency; 
his  bofom  burns  with  pity  on  the  poor,  his  heart 
heaves  a  figh  and  melts  with  mercy  in  the  houfe  of 
woe.  His  magnanimous  mind  munificently  beflows 
the  balm  of  benevolence,  to  cherifli  the  captive  and 
fuccour  the  ilave.  This  is  the.  man  whom  I  rauib 
love  even  as  myfelF.  AgaH:  then  ye  fordid  fouls, 
fclfiili  finners  and  hypocriiical  faints  I  although  you 
may  take  Ihelter  b"!nnd  the  appearance  of  pi'-'ty?  ^nd 


!0 

put  on  the  garb  of  religion,  \vhich  none  have  a  right 
to  wear  but  the  merciful— I  will  hunt  you,  if  poiTible, 
out  of  your  holes — yes,  I  will  wage  eternal  war 
with  your  avaricious  principles  ;  and  I  hope  the 
weapons  of  our  warfare  will  be  mighty  thro'  Gob 
to  the  pulling  down  of  your  flrong  holds. 

A  noble  opportunity  offers  itfelf  this  day  !  Hark! 
what  do  I  hear  ?     A  multitude  of  the  heavenly  hod 
rejoicing,   and  proclaiming,  with  a  mellifluent  voice, 
"  All  Men  are  Bmhren,''  and  what  can  this  mean  ? 
in  very  deed,  it  is   the  motto  of  the  Society  whofe 
caufe  I  have  undertaken  to  plead.     O  God  of  love! 
aiTift  me  to  do  juftice  to  thy  caufe — Pour  down  thy 
fpirit  from  on  high  upon  us,  and  caufe  {^NttX.  fenfi- 
hiliiy  with  her  magnetic  fingers,  to  touch  all  the  firings 
of  our  hearts,  that  there  may  be  a  heavenly  harmony, 
of  fme  feelings  in  this  aiTembiy.     Would  to  God  the 
force  of  the  parable  we  are  treating  of,  v/as  felt  not 
only  by  this  congregation,  but  by  all  the  world.      I 
trufl  it  is  exemplified  in  the  conduft  of  the  fociety  in 
whofe  behalf  I  addrefs  you — It  has,  in  my  opinion, 
ii  claim  on  all  the  citizens  of  America  for  fupport : 
and  I  am  happy  to  find  that  in  this   fentiment  I  am 
not  fmgular,     A  chara^er  high  in  -ofilce,  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States  favours  the  inftitution 
in  the  following  words,   "  The  principles  of  benevo- 
lence on  which  the  fociety  is  founded,  and  ivhich  regu^ 
late  its  proceedings,  entitle  it  io  the  approbation  of  ali 
your  felloiv  citizens,'" 

The  preamble  to  the  conflitution  briefly  explains 
the  neceihty  of  fuch  an  alTociation. 


1  i 

*'  Whoever  reflects  on  the  various  caufes  of 
cinigration  fro.ii  Europe  to  the  United  States  of 
America,  muii  be  convinced — whoever  has  the  oppor- 
tunity of  appealing  tq.  his  own  experience,  rauH; 
Icnow — that  many  of  thofe  who  emigrate,  although 
frequently  endowed  with  talents  and  virtues  the  moil 
valuable,  arriving  on  an  unknown  fliore,  bereft  of  the 
means  of  fupport,  and  deftitute  of  friends  to  whoni 
to  apply  for  advice  or  alliflance,  are  lolt  for  a  time  to 
fociety  and  themfelves/' 

This  fociety  has  for  Its  obje6l "  to  lefTen  or  totally 
to  obviate  thefe  inconveniences ; — to  render  emigra- 
tion as  advantageoup  as  poiTible,  both  to  the  emigrants 
themfelves,  and  to  the  country  which  aiFords  them 
refuge  j — to  give  them  every  information  and  afilfi:- 
ance  in  our  power  ; — in  fliort,  to  foften  the  afperities 
of  the  {t]-anger':i  fituaticn  at  his  firfl:  outfet  in  a  7iew 
count  rp^* 

But  has  the  fociety,  in  any  rneafure  atilwered 
the  end  of  its  eihiblKhment  ?  Fac^s,  in  this  cafe,  had 
I  time  to  enumerate  them,  would  be  the  moO:  pcvrer- 
ful  arguments.  Could  1  lead  you  to  the  man  (ions  of 
the  affli<^ed  which  have  been  relieved  fmce  O^ober 
17.94,  many  of  whom  were  truly  in  a  diflreffed  fitua- 
tion — Could  I  point  out  to  you  die  great  number  of 
Emigrants  who  have  been  taken  from  the  path  of 
poverty,  and  placed  in  the  field  of  plenty — I  am  fnre 
your  hearts  would  rejoice,  that  fuch  a  fociety  had 
been  eflablilhed  in  thiscity— efpecially,if  youconfider 
that  it  is  the  proviiicc  of  this  Iriflituiion,  to  prevent 
didrcfs,  as  Well  as  relieve  the  diilrcirjd.  It  is  a  kind 
B 


e 


I  2 

of  guardian  which  provides  for,  and  protecls,  the 
llranger  during  his  nonage  in  the  Nezv  World.  Like 
t|ie  hand  in  the  road,  it  diredls  the  labourer,  mechanic, 
and  artill  where  to  fmd  employment — it  does  more 
. — it  airiils  them  on  their  journey.  In  fliort,  it ,  is 
capable  of  doing  more  good  to  this  country  than  can 
be  afccrtained. 

It  is  a  fa£i:,  firmly  eftablifhed,  that  the  ftrength 
of  a  country  confifls  in  the  number  of  its  inhabitants, 
more  than  in  the  wealth  of  its  citizens.  The  induf- 
trious  labourers  and  mechanics  are  the  fuiews,  the 
bones  and  the  marrow  of  every  community.  Riches 
and  honour  are  only  an  appendix  to  the  book  of  life. 
We  can  live  without  them  :  particularly  in  this  wide 
extended  empire,  whofe  uncultivated  foreds  and  fer- 
tile plains,  invite  the  uplifted  ax  and  the  furrowing 
i)Iouzh. — In  fuch  a  country,  where  mitlions  of  acres 
are  waiting  for  the  adventurer  to  cutdov/n  the  raajcdic 
trees,  and  turn  up  the  prolific  foil  j  a  yffr/>2"_y  which, 
by  its  phihntliropy,  encourages  emigration — mufl  be 
cf  public  utility.  Canals,  roads,  bridges,  houfes, 
manufa£bories,  &c.  all  want  workm.en — and  where 
are  they  to  be  found  ?  The  tide  of  population  conti- 
nues to  flow  over  the  Appalachian  mountains  \  nor 
will  it  ceafe  to  flow,  until  that  vaft  "  wildernefs  be- 
com.es  like  Eden^  and  the  deferts  of  the  Wejl  like  the 
garden  of  the  Lord." 

The  Atlantic  States  muft,  therefore,  be  fupplied 
in  a  great  meafure  from  the  defolated  plains  of 
Europe.  We  need  not  offer  a  golden  bait  to  invite 
the  inhabitants  o'er   the  fcas-— lliew  them  the  way^ 


'3 

and  they  will  be  glad  to  efcape  from  ihdr  furnace  of 
affllBion  and  goal  of  opprejjlon.  On  their  arrival  ia 
pur  happy  country,  many  of  them  will  be  without  a 
cent  in  their  pockets — mofl  depend  on  the  labour  of 
their  hands  for  fubfiftence — even  thofe  who  have  a 
trifling  fum  of  mo^'^,  owing  to  the  high  price  of 
provifions  and  houfe  rent,  will  in  a  few  days,  if  out 
of  employment,  be  deprived  of  it. 

We,  therefore,  owe  thefe  men  and  the  public 
a  duty,  which  cannot  be  difpcnfed  with,  without 
facrificing  the  public  weal  and  all  the  feelings  o5 
humanity. — My  hearers,  I  call  upon  you  for  afiiflance, 
in  the  name  of  2ifociety  whofe  fole  objeft  is  to  do  good. 
They  do  not  pharifce-likc  impofe  a  tafk  upon  you 
which  they  do  not  bear  themfelves — nay,  they  are 
willing,  like  Chr'i/i,  to  take  the  heaviefl  part  of  the 
burden. — They  facrifice  much  of  their  time  as  well  as 
property.  Their  committees  are  continually  engaged 
in  relieving  the  diftrelTed,  and  informing  the  ignorant. 

In  the  principal  towns  of  Europe,  regifter  offices 
are  kept,  to  procure  places  for  domeftics,  &:c.  In 
thefe  offices  a  certain  fum  of  money  mufl:  be  paid  on 
regiftering  their  names — and  after  all,  in  fifteen  cafes 
out  of  twenty,  they  get  nothing  but  difappointment 
for  their  money.  The^oor  creatures  often  wander 
from  office  to  office,  after  being  cheated,  by  the 
keepers  of  them,  of  the  fmall  pittance  they  had  to 
fubfift  on.  What  a  contrafl:  between  the  Old  and  the 
New  world.  Here  a  great  number  of  philanthropic 
citizens  aflbciate  togetlier  and  form  committees,  to 
ake  the  JiraPg:r  and  th?  diHrcHed  pilgrim  by  the 


hand.  They  will  not  pafs  by,  like  the  prieft  antj 
Levite,  but  go  where  they  are,  on  board  their  diffe- 
rent (hips:  and  in  cafe  any  mercilefs  captain  {lnould 
mal-treat  his  pailcngers — they  reprefent  their  fituation 
to  the  fociety — who  are  pledged  to  affift  them,  iii 
bringing  fuch  tyrants  to  a  proper  fenfe  of  their  duty  *. 

Men  and  brethren,  do  you  require  motives  to 
encourage"  you  to  come  forward  and  fupport  this 
glorious  caufe  ?— I  trull:  not.  The  fafts  which  have 
been  adduced  fpeak  for  therafelves :  but  left  there 
fliould  be  a  flony  heart  in  this  afiembly,  I  will  continue 
my  Or^iV(3;2  "a  few  minutes  longer.  I'cs,  firs,  I  will 
offer  motives  to  be  charitable  and  produce  examples 
of  benevolence  :  but  where  {hall  I  begin  ?  I  behold 
the  innumerable  mercies  of  our  common  Parent.  The 
heavens  fliov^rer  down  bleffmgs  upon  us,  and  the  earth 
yieldeth  her  increafe,  in  the  greatefl  abundance. 
"  Our  lines  have  fallen  in  pleafant  places,  t'i'\jly 
we  have  a  goodly  heritage."  The  ti-ee  of  life,  whofe 
leaves  are  for  the  healing  of  u'oundcd  nations,  grows 
in  this  hemifphere.  Here  every  nation,  kindred,  and 
tongue  under  heaven,  forget  their  ancient  animofities, 
and  form  one  race  of  republicans.  Here  the  gartered 
nobleman,  the  dignified  clergyman,  and  the  titular 
faint,  quit  their  childilli  t^|les,  and  put  on  the  man 
and  the  chriftian.     But  I  ccafe  to  praife :    let  thy 

*  The  fociety  may  likewife  be  of  great  uulity  in  pre\'cnting 
Captains  and  others  to  inipofe  on  the  ignorant,  by  binding  them 
for  a  longer  period,  ar.d  for  lefs  wages  than  they  might  othcrwife 
obtain.  In  all  countries,  there  are  men  lying  in  wait  to  tale  in  the 
unwary  traveller,  in*a  manner  which  Christ  will  not  approve Qf>  by 
faying  ««  J  was  a  firanger  and  j'i-  took  im  in.^\ 


■'5 

Woiks,  O  Columbia,  fraife  ihee  in  the  gates — and 
may  the  bleffings  of  thofe  who  were  ready  to  periJJ} 
come  upon  tksc,  and  abide  forever  witfmi  thy  borders* 

O  Americans !  do  you  want  examples  of  liofpi- 
tality  and  benevolence  :  remember  the  manes  of  yoiir 
forefathe«s>  who  fled  for  refuge  to  this  country,  when 
there  were  no  inhabitants  to  receive  them,  but  the 
wild  Pilgrims  of  the  Wood.  Among  favages  they 
enjoyed  what  civilized  nations  refufed  them.  They 
enjoyed  every  thing  that  is  worth  having  in  this 
y{Qx\d.-^—The  fweeis  of  Liberty. 

Sh40uld  Americans  ever  lack  in  hofpitality  and  a 
love  of  freedom, — fome  dire  calamity  would  furely 
befal  their  country :  "  her  commerce  would  be  bound 
in  chains,  and  her  liberty  in  fetters  of  iron  1"  but  I 
trufl:  no  fuch  thing  will  happen — my  prefent  hearers 
v;ill,  I  doubt  ,not,  fliew  themfelves  worthy  of  the 
name  they  bear^?  men  and  as  Chriftians — It  is  true, 
I  do  not  call  upon  you  to  immortalize  yourfelves,  bf 
building  a  fplendid  hofpital  or  a  codly  edifice  to  corl- 
tain  the  poor.  This  might  ferve  as  a  monument  to 
commemorate  your  charity  and  exalt  your  chara£ler. 
The  inftitution  which  now  claims  your  fupport,  lik« 
the  hand  of  charity^  iff  elf  dillufes  its  bleffings  ill 
fecrecy  and  filence,  and  may  therefore  pafs  unnoticed 
and  unaffifted  by  thofe  who  are  liberal  only  in  th*^ 
eyes  of  men,  and  do  good  merely  from  motives  of 
oftentation.  You  that  are  fmcere  in  the  profcflion 
of  chriPiianity,  will  take  "  heed  that  ye  do  not  youi^ 
alms  before  men  to  be  feen  of  them."  I  need  not 
mention  any  other  motives  to  encourage  ;'cz^  to  con* 


ID 

tribute  to  iliis  fociety,  tlian  the  exaivi|tle  cf  yciir. 
Saviour.  If  he  who  was  rich  becamo  poor,  that 
througli  his  poverty  we  might  be  raadd'  rich,  if  He 
the  King  of  Kings  o/aitted  his  glorious  palace  that  we 
might  wc;u-  crowns  of  righteoufnefs,  ancfhaye  a  build- 
ing not  made  with  hands  eternal  in  the  heavens  j  in 
fliort,  if  he  lived  and  died  to  ferve  the  family  of  man- 
kind, furely  we  ought  to  ferve  one  another.  If  ths- 
Prieft  and  the  Levice  p:ifs  by,  do  you  rjy.  hearers^ 
agreeable  to  the  command  of  Ciif.ict,  r.ct  the  part 
of  the  noble  Samaritan.  He  beheld  an  objeft  m 
diflrefs  and  flev/  to  his  relief-— he  did  no(t  alkhiin 
what  country  he  belonged  to.  what  religion  he  pro- 
fefied,  or  v.hether  his  creed  Vv'as  fiiort  or  long  [  He 
did  better  :  he  mingled  his  tears  with  his  forrov/,  and- 
fupplied  hirn  with  every  thing  that  was  neccffary  to 
iTiake  him  happy. 

It  is  the  peculiar  cbaracEenftic  of  the  fociety  I 
advocate,  to  be,  like  the  Samaritan,  impartial :  it  pays 
:3io  refpecl  to  any  national  character.  The  St.  George, 
jiSt.  Patrick,  and  St.  Andrew  Societies  have  no  doubt 
-often  ferved  "heir  countrymen,  and  like  the  German 
Society  continue  to  be  ufeful.  But  thanks  be  to  God, 
the  day  of  all  Saints  lias  at  lafl  arrived,  the  Phii^a- 
DELPHIA  Society  unites  them  all,  in  one  fraternal 
band — ^all  party  flars  difappear— tljp  fun  of  Rhiian- 
thropy  has  rifen — and  the  morning  heralds  proclaim 
AH  Men  are  Brethren. 

My  Emig:\7nf  brethren,  permit  me  for  a  {c\v 
■moments  to  addrcfs  you  in  particular.  "  You  cer- 
tainly knovv  the  heart  of  a  flranger,"  is  it  pofiible  that 


17 

any  of  you  fliould  pafs  by  a  brother  in  diflrers,  and 
not  relieve  him-— I  hope  not :  die  Icafl  thing  we  caa 
expe£i:  from  you  is  to  become  active  members  of  this 
afibciation  ;  and  thereby  render  all  the  alTiibmce  in 
your  poweVj  lo  thofe  v^ho  follow  your  example,  in 
I'eeking  a  hctfcr  country.  I  know  that  fome  emi^rfntSy 
like  the  fpies  of  old,  have  given  a  bad  report  of  this 
.goodly  Canaan,  Others  like  Caleb  and  Joihua,  being 
baptized  with  the  fpirit  of  liberty,  and  having  forlaken 
the  flelh-pots  (not  the  bonds)  of  Egypt,  encourage 
their  brethren  to  come  and  poifefs  the  land.  Diffi- 
culties are  neceJlary  confequences  attending  all  chan- 
ges :  but  thofe  who  migrate  to  this  country,  ought 
to  compare  their  difficulties  v/ith  thofe  of  the  firfc  fet- 
iers, — with  the  gloomy  profp eft  they  have  left  behind 
in  Europe,— arid  with  the  pleafmg  views  they  have 
before  them,   in  this  rifmg  republic. 

Alibough  it  is  neceKary  we  (liould  be  moderate 
in  our  defires  and  expeftations — wc  may  anticipate 
great  things  to  take  place  in  thefe  ftates.  If  the  can- 
ker worms  of  indolence,  pride  and  diinpation,  can 
be  deflroyed,  the  trees  of  America  will  grov/  magni- 
ficently fair.  We  may  then  look  forward  to  futurity, 
and  behold  our  progeny  living  like  princes  ;  yes,  each 
of  them  far  fuperior  to  the  children  of  a  king,  fot 
they  (Irall  live  independent  upon  thejr  own  ellatcs  ; 
praifmg  God,  for  curbing  the  wind  and  flilling  the 
ocean,  for  fafely  landing  us  on  the  fliores  of  Colum- 
bia  where  liberty  and  equality  fnall  for  ever  reign. 

What  more  Hiall  I   fay  to  my  audience  ?    Do 
ihey  place  any  confidence  in  God  r  do  ihcy  bear  any 


i8 

love  to  Christ  ?  Have  they  any  tefpeci:  for  man  ? 
Then  fly  to  the  relief  of  the  diftrelTed — ^Hailen,  Oh^ 
haflen  my  brethren  to  imitate  the  good  Samaritan, 
and  do  not  forget  that  he  who  giveth  to  the  poor, 
lendeth  to  the  ^Lord — who  will,  mod  aifurediy, 
return  it  with  one  hundred  per  cent,  intereft  in  this 
tvorld,  and  in  the  world  to  corhe,  (to  the  truly  chari- 
table)  life  everlalling,  through  Jesus  Christ. 

Confident  there  can  be  no  duty  more  exprefsly 
commanded,  or  a  reward  more  firmly  promifed  for 
the  dhcharge  of  it— I  iliail  leave  ray  hearers  to  medi- 
tate on  what  they  have  heard,  and  only  reqaefl  them 
to  anticipate  that  period,  "  when  the  Son  bf  Man 
{Iiall  come  in  his  glory,  and  all  the  angels  with  him  ; 
then  fnall  he  fit  upon  his  throne,  and  before  him  flrali 
be  gathered  all  nations,  and  he  iliall  fay  to  the  righte- 
ous, come  ye  blefled  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  King- 
dom prepared  for  you,  from  before  the  foundation 
of  the  world — for  I  was  an  hungered,  and  ye  gave  me 
meat ;  1  was  thirfly,  and  ye  gave  me  drink  :  I  was 
a  Jir anger,  and  ye  took  me  in  : — naked,  and  ye 
cloathed  me ;  I  was  fick,  and  ye  vifited  me  :  I  was 
in  prifon,  and  ye  came  unto  me  : — for  as  much  as  yc 
have  done  it  unto  one  of  the  leafl  of  thefe  m.y  bre- 
ihre?2,  ye  have  done  it  imto  }nc."  Come  enter  into  the 
joy  of  your  Lord,  and  remain  v/ith  him  for  ever,  in 
glory.  Now  tmto  the  King  Eter?ial,  ImmortaL,  the 
Only  Wife  God,  and  our  Saviour,  be  ofcrihed  ever" 
lajling  praifes,     A?nen. 


^ 


ADVERTISEMENT. 

A  number  of  the  citizens  of  Philaddphlii,  contemplating  th? 
many  and  jireat  inconveniences,  neccflarily  arifmg  from  the 
various  caufcs  which  produce  emigration,  have  formed  themr 
felves  into  a  Society,  for  the  purpofes  of  preventing  or  leflening 
thofe  difagre cable  confequences. 

To  thofe  in  affluent  circumftances,  we  can  only  offer  our  friend- 
ftiip  as  individuals,  congratulate  them  on  their  fafe  arrival,  and  wjih 
thi;m  fuccefs  and  hapninefs. 

Thofe  in  middling  circumftances,  who  may  vifli  for  informa- 
mation,  the  Society  refers  to  its  committee,  v/hich  v.ill  always 
be  ready  to  fhew  them  all  pofTible  attention. 

But  to  the  fick,  to  the  friendlefs,  to  the  needy,  the  Society 
addrefles  itfelf  in  a  peculiar  manner  :  r:qnefts  them  not  to  faffer 
their  fpirits  to  droop :  and  afl'ures  them,  that  upon  application  t6 
any  of  the  committee,  their  cafes  will  be  taicen  iiito  immediate 
Gonfideration. 

The  members  of  the  committee  meet  every  Monday  Evening 
at  Mr.  Henry  A.  Hans,  Regifter,  No.  14.2,  North  Third  Street. 

Their  names  and  places  of  refidence  are  as  fo!!o".s: 

Morgan  J.  Rhees,  No.  30,  Spruce  St.  William  Zane,  No..  23, 
So.  Second  St,  Charles  Kenny,  City  Tavern.  Dr.  F.  Pafcalis, 
No.  47,  No.  Fourth  St.  John  R.  Taylor,  Nc.  183,  No.  Front 
St.  James  Furze,  No.  4,  5To.  Third  St.  Philip  Jones,  No.  84, 
Union  St.     Uriah  Smith,  No.  5,  Church  Alley. 

Treafurer,  Thomas  Nev/nham,  No.  145,  No.  Second  St. 

JRegijIer,  Henry  A.  Heins,  No.  142,  No.  Third  St. 

Phyfician,  Dr.  Arthur  Biayney,  No.  138,  So.  Second  St. 

Secretary^  Bartholomew  Connolly,  No.  5.  So.  Third  St. 
]^  order  of  the  Commmittee, 

S.  CONNQLLl",  fee. 

rh'iladeJph'm,  April  26,  l'J<)6. 

N.  B.  As  it  is  f /ye  peculiar  province  of  f/^r  Registtr  to  receive 
and  record  fuc^  Information  as  may  be  ifeful  to  Enugronfs  on  their 
arrive!,  thofe  ivho  fnd  thetnf elves  in  want  of  fuch  ajijlance,  art 
requejlcd  to  addref:  thcnfeh'cs  to  hir.:. 


CONSTITUTION  of  the  SOCIETY. 
I.  The  officers  of  the  Society  (hall  confift  of  a  Frefident, 
Trcafurer,  Secretary,  Fhyf.cian,  Regifter,  two  Counfeliors,  a  Com- 
mittee of  Conference  and  Corrcfpondence,  and  fuch  additional  offi- 
cers as  a  majority  of  the  members  may  at  any  time  think  requifite  to 
a:;complifh  the  ends  of  the  Inftitution,  to  be  eledted  by  ballot  every 
(ix  months ;  at  which  time  ihc  accounts  of  the  Society  fhall  b^ 


20 

fedjufted.  Vacancies  la  oiTice,  occafioned  by  death,  refignation,  Of 
removal,  fhall  be  filled  at  the  monthly  meetings,  immediately  fub- 
feqaent  to  the  time  at  which  they  may  refpedtively  happen. 

II.  The  Prefident  fnall  prefide  in  all  the  meetings  ;  in  his 
abfence,  a  Chairman  fiiall  be  chofen  for  the  time  being. 

III.  The  Treafurer  fliall  take  charge  of  all  the  monies  and 
fecuricies  of  the  Society ;  and  fhail  pay  all  orders  figned  by  the 
Chairman  of  the  Committee  ;  which  orders  fhall  be  his  vouchers 
for  his  expenditures.  Ke  shall,  before  he  enters  upon  his  oiEce, 
give  fuch  fecurity  as  the  Society  may  require. 

IV.  The  Secretary  fuail  keep  fair  records  of  the  proceedings 
of  the  Society,  and  ?.'ifo  of  the  Committee. 

V.  The  Regiikr  fhall  receive  and  record  all  information  necef- 
fary  to  promote  the  cbjetfls  of  the  Society. 

VI.  The  Connlellors  fhall  explain  the  laws  of  the  flate  relative 
to  the  objedls  of  the  InlL^ution,  and  fiapport  the  claims  of  the  Societj'-, 
before  (lich  perfons,  cr  courts,  as  are  authorifed  to  decide  upon 
them. 

VII.  The  Committee  of  Conference  and  Cor refpondence  fhall 
confifl  of  fach  and  fo  many  members,  as  the  Society  may  think 
rcquifite  ;  of  which  the  Treafurer,  Secretary,  Phyfician  and  K.egi- 
jfter  fhall  be  four;  They  fhall  tranfaft  fuch  bufinefs  as  may  occur 
in  the  recefs  of  the  Society,  and  be  empowered  to  draw  upon  the 
Treafurer  for  fuch  funis  of  money  as  may  be  necefHiry  to  carry  on 
the  bufinefs  of  their  appointment. 

VIII.  Any  perfon,  by  fubfcribing  the  Conftitution,  and  paying 
the  fura  of  One  Dollar,  fhall  become  a  member  :  he  fhall  contri- 
bute annually  one  dollar,  in  half  yearly  payments,  towards  the 
neceffary  expenfes  of  the  Society.  In  order  more  effedlually  to* 
accomplifh  the  ends  of  the  Inftitution,  honorary  and  correfponding 
members  fhall  be  admitted  with  the  confent  of  a  majority  of  die 
members  prefent. 

IX.  The  Society  fhall  meet  on  the  firft  Wednefday  in  every 
month,  at  fuch  place  as  may  be  agreed  upon  by  a  majority :  on 
the  requifition  of  fix  members,  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  fhall 
call  a  fpecial  meeting  ;  all  which  meetings  fuallbe  advertifed  in  the 
public  papers.  Not  lefs  than  feven  members  fhall  be  a  quorum. 
Vvlien  there  is  not  a  quorum,  the  members  prefent  may  adjoura 
till  fuch  time,  as  they  fhall  think  proper. 

X.  No  law,  or  alteration  of  the  Conftitution  fhall  be  made 
without  being  propofed  at  a  previous  meeting.  All  quefnons  fhall 
be  decided,  where  there  is  a  divifion,  by  a  majority  of  votes  ;  when 
the  Society  is  equally  divided,  the  prefiding  officer  fuail  have  a 
calling  vote. 

JOHN  SWANVs^ICK,  Prefident, 

No.    237,  South  Front  Street. 

N.  E.  Thp  preamble  to  the  Cbiiftltution  having  been  quoted  in  the 
Oration,  it  v.'as  thought  u:;neceffiry  to  repeat  it. 


J 


i 


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